Post Malone, Grand Ole Opry, more support ACM Lifting Lives work with Williams syndrome

These days, Post Malone's getting help from literally everyone in Music City.

However, few things showcase the depth and scope of the heart of Nashville's music community than the double-diamond singles-selling pop superstar walking into a night of karaoke at Music Row's Losers Bar and Grill with Ernest and Caylee Hammack and being greeted by adult campers from the Academy of Country Music's 15th annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.

The week-long residential program for musically talented individuals with Williams syndrome serves a dual purpose of studying the rare genetic condition while providing music enrichment through performance and education.

Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by strong verbal communication skills, highly social personalities and a deep affinity for music, as well as the potential for cardiovascular disease, developmental delays and learning disabilities.

'Find The Sunshine'

The 2024 camp class saw the deepest integration to date of country's pop moment, mixing with campers going behind-the-scenes around vital workspaces and entertainment venues in Nashville's country music community and, essentially, stepping into the day-to-day life of a country star.

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Yes, that was rising surprise hit-maker Dasha teaching campers the line dance to her smash hit "Austin" at the Nashville Palace. The campers also received merchandise gifted by Morgan Wallen while touring behind the scenes at Municipal Auditorium. Also, Beyoncé "Blackbiird" collaborator Tiera Kennedy stopped by for a recording and songwriting session at Ocean Way Studios.

The performance of "Find the Sunshine," written with Kennedy, Russell Dickerson, J.T. Harding and another camp veteran, Ross Copperman (who marked 2024 as his 11th year participating with ACM Lifting Lives), was particularly noteworthy.

They wrapped their week with a live debut of the song on the Grand Ole Opry stage alongside country newcomer Alex Hall and it received a standing ovation.

Unforgettable experiences

"Hosting this camp is truly the highlight of the year for everyone involved, including the campers and those volunteering and doing the research," said ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director Lyndsay Cruz and ACM Lifting Lives Sr. Manager and Music Camp lead Taylor Wolf, in a press statement.

"This camp allows our partners at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to conduct important research on Williams syndrome, all while providing campers with an experience they'll never forget. The artists, songwriters and venues in Nashville who donate their time to this amazing summer camp are the ones who make this research and fulfilling experience for campers possible, and we thank them for their positive energy and excitement."

Other activities included ACM award winner Jordan Davis joining the campers at Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, where campers stepped into the role of radio DJ, asking Davis questions that were broadcast throughout the hospital. Conner Smith played songs and held a casual question-and-answer session with campers at the Bluebird Cafe. And, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Hatch Show Print facility, campers designed their own Hatch Print to commemorate the week.

ACM Lifting Lives — the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music — uses donations and support of artists and fans to focus on health-related initiatives (like funding the costs of the music camp and providing scholarships to several campers), including national music therapy programs serving various mental and physical health organizations, patients at children's hospitals and other health care facilities, recovering veterans, individuals with mental illness and more.

For more information on ACM Lifting Lives and its various initiatives, visit ACMLiftingLives.org.